Nursing is one of the largest and most trusted professions in America, offering strong job security and countless career opportunities. If you're considering this career path, you're probably wondering: How long does it take to become a nurse?
The answer is entirely up to you. In fact, you can begin working as a nursing assistant in the field in as little as a month and continue building your credentials over time. Whether you're looking for the fastest way into healthcare, want to become a registered nurse, or are aiming for a leadership role, you'll have the flexibility to earn, learn, and advance at your own pace.
In this article, we’ll review the most common levels of nursing and the timelines associated with them. Read on to understand how long it really takes to move from training to practice.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse? A Snapshot
- CNA: 4 to 12 weeks
- LPN: 12 to 18 months
- RN: 2 to 4 years
- NP: 6 to 8 years
- CNM: 6 to 8 years
- CRNA: 7 to 9 years
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?
Role description: A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare professional who provides essential, hands-on support to patients and often serves as the first point of contact between patients and the medical team. In this role, you’ll be checking vital signs, helping patients with daily needs, and providing companionship when needed.
Training: To get started in this role, all you’ll need is certification. You can earn it in as little as four to 12 weeks, depending on your state requirements and whether you attend full-time or part-time classes.
Salary: The average CNA salary is $42,700 per year, or $20.53 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become a LPN?
Role description: A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a healthcare professional who provides essential bedside care and supports registered nurses and doctors in delivering care. In this role, you’ll monitor patient status, administer basic medications, and assist with other tasks such as hygiene, mobility, and nutrition.
Training: To become an LPN, you’ll need to complete an accredited practical nursing program, which takes about 12 to 18 months to finish. You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for licensure through your state board of nursing.
Salary: The average LPN salary is $67,050 per year, or $32.24 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN?
Role description: A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides direct patient care, coordinates treatment plans, and works closely with doctors and other medical staff. In this role, you’ll assess patient conditions, administer medications and treatments, and play a key role in educating patients and their families about health, recovery, and ongoing care.
Training: To become an RN, you’ll typically need to complete either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about two years, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years. After completing your education, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure through your state board of nursing. With experience, you can choose to work in one of over 60 nursing specialties.
Salary: The average RN salary is $101,420 per year, or $48.76 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Role description: A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice healthcare provider who delivers high-level patient care, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing treatment plans. In this role, you’ll work independently or alongside physicians, depending on your state rules.
Training: To become an NP, you’ll first need to become an RN, then complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. In total, this pathway typically takes about six to eight years. After completing your graduate degree, you must pass a national certification exam in your NP specialty area and apply for state licensure.
Salary: The average NP salary is $137,300 per year, or $66.01 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNM?
Role description: A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice RN who specializes in women's reproductive health, providing care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In this role, you'll practice independently or in collaboration with physicians, depending on your state's regulations, helping support the health of both parents and newborns.
Training: To become a CNM, you'll first need to become an RN. Next, you'll complete a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program, typically earning an MSN or DNP. In total, this career path generally takes six to eight years, followed by passing the national Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) certification exam and obtaining state APRN licensure.
Salary: The average CNM salary is $136,980 per year, or $65.86 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CRNA?
Role description: A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is one of the highest-level nursing professionals, who administers anesthesia, monitors patients during procedures, and manages pain. In this role, you’ll work in hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty clinics, often collaborating closely with surgeons, operating room nurses, and surgical techs.
Training: To become a CRNA, you'll need to earn a BSN degree first. Then you’ll need to gain at least one to two years of critical care nursing experience before enrolling in an accredited DNP or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program, which typically takes about two to four years to complete. After graduation, you'll need to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) and obtain state licensure.
Salary: The average CRNA salary is $248,320 per year, or $119.38 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse? FAQ
How long does it take to become a registered nurse through an accelerated program?
If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, you may qualify for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. These programs take 11 to 18 months to complete and are designed to fast-track your transition into nursing. After graduation, you'll still need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure.
How long does it take to become an NP in a specific specialty?
You’ll typically spend six to eight years studying to become an NP, either Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), or another area of practice. While specialty requirements may vary slightly, the overall timeline is usually influenced more by the program you choose and whether you attend school full-time or part-time.
How long does it take to become a nurse assistant after high school?
Most CNA programs are open to high school graduates and take just four to 12 weeks to complete. After finishing your training, you’ll need to pass your state’s competency exam and earn certification before you can start working.
How long does it take to become a pediatric nurse?
You’ll first need to become an RN, which typically takes two to four years to complete depending on whether they earn an ADN or BSN degree. Because working with infants and children requires extra care and attention, many employers prefer nurses with a BSN degree. Some may also look for prior experience in areas like medical-surgical nursing or progressive care or completion of a specialized residency program.
Explore Fresh Nursing Roles Across Specialties and Settings
Now that you know how long it takes to become a nurse, it’s time to explore what’s possible once you’re qualified. Credenza connects you with high-quality nursing roles — just tell us what you're looking for, and we’ll match you with the best-fit opportunities.